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When we think of states to look to in terms of free markets and the responsibility of personal choices, most of us wouldn’t think of Michigan first, or second. Let’s face it, Michigan wouldn’t crack most peoples’ top ten. However, Michigan is making progress; away from so-called progressivism. Michigan’s shiny new status as a right-to-work state is one of the biggest steps towards this new, freer Michigan. It is moving away from its union-tied nanny-state history. What should not be overlooked, though, is what Michigan is doing in education.

President Obama has not been having a very good month. Between the Benghazi hearings, the IRS scandal, the DOJ getting caught snooping into media phone records, and the NLRB smackdown, he really needs his friends. Usually, when Obama needs friends, he would turn to the unions. Too bad they’re not very happy with him lately, either.

Education reform advocacy group StudentsFirst, led by school choice champion Michelle Rhee, has released their State Policy Report Card. This report card was designed “to evaluate the education laws and policies in place in each state.” The study used three forms of criteria for evaluation to find states in which schools: Elevate teaching, Empower Parents, and Spend Wisely & Govern Well.

Last week, after Right-to-Work passed in Michigan, many were celebrating workplace freedom in the historic union stronghold. Some, however, were less than thrilled. Take, for example, Michael Moore, hypocrite extraordinaire who took to Twitter to express his displeasure.

Michigan, a historic union stronghold and birthplace of United Auto Workers, has now taken a leap forward in workplace freedom. Last night, Michigan lawmakers passed right-to-work legislation, giving workers in the state the choice to join a union, or not, as they saw best.

At the end of November, a workers’ strike closed the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach California. Workers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union walked off the job on November 27, and nearly all container terminals were closed. Approximately 40% of the nation’s imports are handled at these ports, and it is vital to the region’s economy.

On the heels of two big wins for workplace freedom in Michigan, it looks like the state might be taking an even bigger step: becoming a right-to-work state. There are currently twenty-three right to work states, and the addition of Michigan would be a huge boon for workplace freedom.